Aromatherapy

Essential Oils for Depression and Grief

Essential Oils for Depression and Grief

Grief and sorrow are part of the human condition-we all get to have this experience more than once in our life time. As we have learned, there are stages that we go through in working through grief and sorrow to a place of acceptance and eventually to moving beyond our grief to living our life once again. Essential oils can help in that process and ease the burden.

What Oils Are Helpful?

Bergamot-(Citrus bergamia)- the medical properties of this oil are calming. Bergamot offers hormonal support and is antidepressant. The citrus fragrance relieves anxiety and has mood lifting qualities. It can be used for agitation, depression, and insomnia. It can be diffused or directly inhaled. Be careful to avoid applying to skin that will be exposed to sunlight or UV light within 36 hours since bergamot is phototoxic to the skin.

Roman Chamomile–(Chamaemelum nobile)-the medical properties of this wonderful oil include being relaxing, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory , and it detoxifies blood and liver. It can be used for relieving restlessness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and skin conditions such as dermatitis. The fragrance may also dispel anger, stabilize the emotions, and help release emotions linked to the past. You can diffuse it or inhale directly as well as apply it directly to the skin. This is a very safe oil and is often used with small children and the frail elderly.

Juniper–(Juniperus osteosperma)- This is a universal oil that is a digestive cleanser/stimulant, increases circulation through the kidneys and promotes excretion of toxins, and is detoxifying. The fragrance evokes feeling of health, love, and peace and may help elevate one’s spiritual awareness. You can directly inhale or diffuse this oil as well as apply it directly to the skin or dilute it with a good carrier oil.

Lavender— (Lavandula angustafolia)- the medical properties of this universal healing oil include being analgesic, relaxing, and anti-inflammatory. It is very effective for insomnia and nervous tension. Lavender balances both physically and emotionally and has been shown to dramatically improve concentration and mental acuity. You can directly inhale or diffuse this oil and apply it undiluted on the skin or diluted for a massage. Be sure you are using therapeutic essential grade Lavender, it is often extended with hybrid lavender or synthetic linalool and linalyl acetate which are two key constituents of the oil.

What About Some Known Essential Oil Blends-Which Ones Help in Grief and Sorrow?

Essential Oil Blend #1 –To instill courage, confidence, and self esteem, I have found this blend helpful in realigning both balance and alignment in the body. Ingredients are rosewood, blue tansy, frankincense and spruce in a sweet almond oil carrier.

Essential Oil Blend #2 – To help release anger and memory, this blend helps restore emotional well being. Letting go of negative emotions and frustrations enables one to progress in a positive way. The ingredients are ylang ylang, lavandin, geranium, sandalwood , and blue tansy in a carrier oil of organic olive oil.

Essential Oil Blend #4 -For times when you need a lift, this one soothes and brings relief to the body while helping to foster a grateful attitude. It contains Idaho balsam fir, frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, ylang ylang and rosewood.

Essential Oil Blend #5 -This blend helps to create a feeling of being in the moment. In grief and sorrow there is often the problem of living in the past with difficulty moving into the present or future. This blend contains neroli, ylang ylang and spruce

The author of this article would like to give you access to a Special Report on Five Biblical Oils when you subscribe to my free short ezine newsletter on energy healing and aromatherapy at http://www.ISHAhealing.com Look for the subscriber box on the left-hand side of the page. From Linda L. Smith, Director of the Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy, a national program in Christian healing.